Lofoten Islands

Travel Guide

Lofoten Islands

Regions in Brief in Lofoten Islands

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We recommend specific walks or hikes that we've found enjoyable. But know that the entire archipelago of the Lofoten Islands was made for walking or hiking. In places, you'll make your way along lakes dark as peat and past fields of delectable yellow-orange Arctic cloudberries. Or you'll pass bilberries, while taking in fields of reindeer moss and sea eagles flying overhead. Perhaps you'll even come across the most characteristic animal of the north (other than reindeer) -- the stately moose.

You can wander field, hill, and dale, even climb a mountain. Also rewarding are walks along the rugged coast, past dwarf willow trees and mountain ash. In some parts of the Lofotens, especially Moskenesøy, you'll discover the ruins of deserted villages. In these cases, the sea proved too harsh a place to make a living, and the inhabitants finally threw in the fishing net and moved on.

Your Own Private Boat for Fishing -- As you make your way across the Lofotens, you don't need to make elaborate plans to go fishing. At almost any fisherman's shack or boathouse at the island ports, you can go right up and request a pram for rent for a morning or an afternoon of fishing. An outboard motor is often an optional choice.

Walking from Fishing Village to Fishing Village -- If time allows, we suggest spending a day exploring some of north Norway's most charming little fishing villages. The landscape is characterized by sheer mountains and a narrow shoreline. The settlements are no longer on the western side of the island (the seas were too turbulent). The rugged inhabitants have moved to the eastern side of the island, where you can stroll along, taking in the fishing fleets, cargo vessels, and pleasure crafts. Along the way you'll find simple cafes for eating (fish, of course, what else?).

Begin in the north at little Hamnøy. In rapid order as you stroll south, you'll approach Sakrisøy, Reine, Moskenes, Sørvågen, and Å. Of course, the way to do it, if you have unlimited time, is to rent one of the fishermen's huts in one of these villages, settle in for the summer, and write a novel.

Once at Sørvågen, a 2-hour hike filled with dramatic scenery will lead you along a signposted and marked rambler's trail. Following along, you'll reach the Lofoten Tour Association's mountain rambler cabin. At Sørvågen you can also break up your trip by taking an hour's walk along beautiful lake Sørvagvannet. To extend the walk, you can take a detour into the scenic Studalen Valley.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.